91. Which of the following is the most common cause of groundwater contamination?
A) Agricultural runoff
B) Volcanic eruptions
C) Tidal waves
D) Noise pollution
Answer: A) Agricultural runoff
Explanation:
Groundwater contamination often occurs when agricultural runoff, containing pesticides, fertilizers, and animal waste, infiltrates soil and leaches into underground aquifers. This can lead to long-term pollution of drinking water sources.
92. Which of the following materials takes the longest to decompose?
A) Paper
B) Plastic
C) Food waste
D) Glass
Answer: D) Glass
Explanation:
Glass takes the longest to decompose, often remaining in landfills or the environment for thousands of years. While it is highly durable, its long decomposition time makes recycling glass an important step in waste management.
93. Which of the following is an effect of excessive nitrogen deposition in terrestrial ecosystems?
A) Decreased soil acidity
B) Reduced plant growth
C) Eutrophication of water bodies
D) Increased biodiversity
Answer: C) Eutrophication of water bodies
Explanation:
Excessive nitrogen deposition, often from agricultural runoff or air pollution, can lead to the eutrophication of nearby water bodies. This results in algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels and harm aquatic ecosystems.
94. Which of the following methods is most effective in reducing industrial air pollution?
A) Open burning of waste
B) Use of scrubbers
C) Increased fuel consumption
D) Lowering chimneys
Answer: B) Use of scrubbers
Explanation:
Scrubbers are used in industrial settings to remove harmful gases, such as sulfur dioxide, from emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. They help in reducing air pollution and minimizing the impact on human health and the environment.
95. Which of the following pollutants is responsible for the formation of ground-level ozone?
A) Carbon monoxide
B) Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds
C) Sulfur dioxide
D) Methane
Answer: B) Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds
Explanation:
Ground-level ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. It is a harmful air pollutant that can cause respiratory problems and contribute to the formation of smog.
96. Which of the following is the primary cause of desertification?
A) Increased rainfall
B) Overgrazing and deforestation
C) Air pollution
D) Use of renewable energy
Answer: B) Overgrazing and deforestation
Explanation:
Desertification is primarily caused by the overuse of land through activities like overgrazing and deforestation. These practices deplete soil nutrients, reduce vegetation cover, and lead to the degradation of arid and semi-arid lands.
97. Which of the following is a benefit of composting organic waste?
A) Increased methane production
B) Reduction in landfill waste
C) Increased soil erosion
D) Decreased soil fertility
Answer: B) Reduction in landfill waste
Explanation:
Composting organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills. It also produces nutrient-rich compost that can improve soil fertility and structure, promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing environmental impact.
98. Which of the following is the most significant source of methane emissions?
A) Industrial emissions
B) Livestock digestion
C) Wind turbines
D) Urbanization
Answer: B) Livestock digestion
Explanation:
Livestock, particularly cows, produce methane during digestion through a process called enteric fermentation. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and livestock farming is one of the largest sources of methane emissions globally.
99. Which of the following is a strategy to control soil erosion?
A) Monoculture farming
B) Building dams
C) Planting cover crops
D) Open-pit mining
Answer: C) Planting cover crops
Explanation:
Planting cover crops helps prevent soil erosion by providing ground cover that protects the soil from wind and water. These crops also improve soil health by adding organic matter and reducing nutrient loss, promoting sustainable land management.
100. Which of the following is a negative impact of mining on the environment?
A) Increased biodiversity
B) Soil and water contamination
C) Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
D) Improved air quality
Answer: B) Soil and water contamination
Explanation:
Mining activities often result in the contamination of soil and water through the release of heavy metals, chemicals, and other pollutants. This pollution can harm local ecosystems, degrade water quality, and pose health risks to humans and wildlife.
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